Eskinder was one of more than 740 prisonners to have received a pardon by the Ethiopian state in a series of recent releases, according to reports.
Arrested in September 2011, Eskinder had been a vocal critic of the country's anti-terror laws and their seemingly indescriminate application, particualrly targeting opposition personalities and outspoken critics of the Ethiopian regime. He had also voiced concerns at how Arab Spring-like protests could easily errupt across the country if calls for reforms were left unheeded.
Nine months after his arrest, an Ethiopian court convicted him under the country's vague 2009 Anti-Terrorism Proclamation, which has been used to imprison at least 12 journalists since 2011. Specifically, the government accused Eskinder of colluding with the outlawed opposition party Ginbot 7 in an attempt to overthrow the regime – charges he has rejected on numerous occasions.
Shortly before his release, it was reported that Eskinder had refused to sign a false confession detailing his membership of, and involvement with, Ginbot 7.
Read a full profile of Eskinder Nega [1], published ahead of his Golden Pen of Freedom award at the 2014 World News Media Congress, Torino.
Visit WAN-IFRA's dedicated 'Free Eskinder Nega' [2] campaign page.
